Inspectors check mine after small earthquake

Inspectors check mine after small earthquake - The West Australian

Two inspectors have been sent to a nickel mine in the Goldfields after a mining induced seismic event forced an evacuation late yesterday.

Department of Mines and Petroleum resources safety executive director Simon Ridge said a full investigation had been launched into the event, which occurred at BHP Billiton’s Nickel West Perseverance mine.

He said the two inspectors, a mining inspector and geotechnical expert, would investigate the event and determine any consequences for future operations.

All 79 workers are understood to be out of the refuge chambers this morning

Geoscience Australia reported a magnitude 3.0 earthquake near Leinster at 11.20pm on Sunday.

BHP Billiton today said the seismic event resulted in a rock fall at the undderground nickel mine about 10km north of Leinster.

"No one was injured and all employees were accounted for," the company said in a statement.

"Contact was maintained with all our affected employees and contractors at all times."